National News

National News flash 13 of 2015: Wage agreement signed -19 May 2015

The wage agreement for the period 2015/16 to 2017/18 was signed in the PSCBC on 19 May 2015. NAPTOSA is a signatory to the agreement.This means that members will receive the following:2015/16 = 7% increase with effect from 1 April 2015 (based on projected CPI of 4,8% + 2,2%)2016/17 = Projected CPI + 1% 2017/18 = Projected CPI + 1%

(A safety net clause has been built into the agreement that will allow for the difference between the projected CPI and the actual CPI for the corresponding period either to be added to, or subtracted from, the adjustment for the following year depending on whether the actual CPI was higher or lower than the projected CPI)

MEDICAL SUBSIDY28, 5% adjustment in the medical subsidy for in-service members belonging to GEMS limited to –A maximum cap of R 925 p.m. per principal member and first dependent and R 565 p.m. per each additional dependent.An overall maximum cap of R 3545 p.m.

The status quo remains in respect of members of open medical schemes - e.g. a maximum cap of R 1 014 p. m.)

5 working days Family Responsibility Leave for employees with children with severe special needs3 working days Paternity LeaveAn opportunity to make an election by 31 December 2015 of the preferred date for the 13th cheque / bonus to be paid out (only effective from 1 March 2016).As far as the housing subsidy is concerned the status quo remains, pending majority signature on the draft agreement on the Government Employees Housing Scheme (GEHS)

(Members will be informed of any benefits emanating from this agreement once majority signature has been achieved)Draft salary scales for Educators / Lecturers and Public Service Act staff, reflecting the adjusted salary notches appear on the “Labour Matters” page. Appreciation to the Gauteng office who developed the draft salary scales.